Restoring a Wellington Icon

Wellington’s 1904 Tram No. 17, the sole surviving example of the city’s original electric fleet, was meticulously restored over four and a half years here at The Wheelwright Hub in Wairarapa.

Once withdrawn from service and later repurposed as a seaside bach in Raumati South, the tram had lost much of its original form. Through careful research, traditional techniques, and a deep respect for its history, we worked to return the tram body to its former character, reflecting its early 1940s condition.

We ensured that Tram No. 17 was not simply repaired, but thoughtfully brought back to life, preserving both its structure and its story for future generations to experience at the Wellington Tramway Museum.

Partially constructed vintage tram car under a wooden roof with exposed framework and no wheels.
Interior of a vintage wooden tram with long wooden benches along both sides and large windows.
Tram frame under restoration inside a workshop with visible structural beams and metal supports.
Interior view of a vintage tram with wooden bench seats, striped curtains, and red and yellow painted framework.
White truck with 'OVERSIZE' sign hauling a vintage red and cream tram car on a flatbed trailer on a road.